Concerns have been raised about how a bridge barrier failed to stop three people dying when a car plunged into the Tyne.

Pals Liz Carroll, 22, Richard Hornsby, 25, of Wylam and James Robson, 28, of Greenside, were killed when Ms Carroll's car smashed through railings on Wylam Bridge in Northumberland, falling 30ft to a parapet below.

The accident happened at about 10.30 on Saturday night.

Police investigators are still trying to determine what happened but say there were no mechanical faults with the car.

Now Wylam parish councillors say they are "deeply concerned" the railings failed to prevent the accident.

Brian Japes, council chairman, said: "At this stage we don't know what caused the accident but clearly the bridge's railings weren't strong enough to prevent a car crashing through.

"We will be suggesting to the county council that some safety measures should be considered - but this is like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted."

Coun Japes added: "Wylam is a close-knit community and we feel shocked and saddened at what has happened."

Tynedale councillor for nearby Ovingham, Paul Macdonald, said: "This is so tragic and our first thoughts must be with the families. But anything that can be done to stop this ever happening again should be looked at.

"Everybody's wise after the event but the bridge does take a lot of traffic and it needs to be determined whether the barrier was strong enough. The county council needs to look at this as a matter of urgency."

A spokesman for Northumberland County Council said: "We would extend our sympathies to the families after this tragic accident. The road had been gritted and it is not a well-known accident spot.

"We will work with the police to analyse the accident and determine its cause."

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "We're continuing to build a picture of what happened prior to the collision. Officers have carried out inquiries in the village and we've received a number of calls from members of the public.

"Police are keen to hear from anyone who can help establish the movements of the car prior to the incident or have any other information about the incident. We can also add that the Renault Clio has been found to have no defects."

Car driver Ms Carroll lived with 18-year-old brother Matthew, their mother Elanear, 43, and stepfather Ed James, 57, at The Crescent, just around the corner from the bridge.

On Sunday her mother and stepfather left a single rose at the crash scene.

Any witness or anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact police motor patrols at Hexham on (01661) 872 555, ext 61474.